5:05 Wiesbaden readying for increasing water heights
Authorities in Wiesbaden are taking action against rising water levels on the Rhine and Main. They've constructed a flood defense wall in Kostheim and installed a pump in the Schierstein district. Parking spaces near the river should be avoided for the next few days, as a warning from the fire department. It's currently unanticipated that additional measures will be needed.
Train traffic between Stuttgart and Munich is temporarily halted due to a landslide in the Baden-Württemberg town of Schwäbisch Gmünd. Trains are currently blocked by this landslide which also prevents their passage on the bypass between Aalen and Stuttgart. The line's disruption is not yet estimated by a train spokesperson. Trains between Ulm and Augsburg were halted due to a flood in southern Germany, so a rerouting of trains is required.
THW in Ulm is filling sandbags for affected areas in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria during the night. 30,000 sandbags will be delivered on Sunday night, according to Bernd Urban, head of the THW's logistics center. Currently, they can produce 400 sandbags per hour. Sandbags are being requested from various deployment areas in the southwest as well as from neighboring regions in Baden-Württemberg. Persistent rain has caused water levels in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria to reach alarming heights in several locations.
The Bavarian Red Cross is sending water rescue teams from Unterfranken to assist in the aid mission in Swabia. These teams are expected to be deployed in the Günzburg district, as announced by the Red Cross in the evening. Each water rescue team consists of two boat and diving squads. In the Swabian district of Günzburg, several waterways have flooded over the hundred-year flood level. This refers to a flood that reaches or exceeds the threshold every 100 years.
Two wagons from an ICE carrying 185 passengers derailed in the Baden-Württemberg town of Schwäbisch Gmünd in the evening due to a landslide. The passengers were unharmed and are being evacuated from the train, according to a train spokesperson. The first two wagons left the tracks around 11:20 p.m, but did not tips over. The landslide spanned approximately 30 meters wide. The passengers are being transferred to a nearby kindergarten and will then be taken to Plochingen by bus.
A car has been hit by a landslide in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Württemberg. Initial police reports in the night state that the driver of the car was uninjured. The landslide happened at a spot where the county road and railway run parallel. Schwäbisch Gmünd is about 50 kilometers east of Stuttgart. Since Friday, there has been heavy rainfall in many areas of Baden-Württemberg.
Neu-Ulm has dealt with a high water peak on the Danube and Iller rivers, according to a city administration estimate. The 100-year flood did not occur, as feared. "We'll only know the extent of the damage once the situation returns to normal," says Mayor Katrin Albsteiger in the evening. Two streets, the Donau promenade and the cycle paths along the Danube and Iller, are to be closed temporarily.
The Munich fire department advises caution at the Isar riverbank due to flooding. Moreover, the city administration closes two popular hiking trails along the river. The river has reached flood level 2 in Munich, according to the fire department's X platform. Flood level 2 means flooding on non-built areas or traffic disruptions caused by high water on roads.
In Upper Bavaria, 670 people are to be evacuated as fire department and rescue services prepare. In Schrobenhausen's districts of Mühlried and a street along the Weilach river, bulldozers and boats are being used. The district administration Mühlried and Schrobenhausen have also set up a citizen hotline for emergencies. The situation is a cause for concern in the southern part of Upper Bavaria's district, according to District Administrator Peter von der Grün.
23:03: Multiple fire department interventions in eastern Thuringia
Torrential rains and thunderstorms have led to several fire department interventions in eastern Thuringia, reports the control center in Gera. Ronneburg, situated in the Greiz district, is being hit particularly hard. The area is seeing flooded roads, fields, and cellars. In Gera's Liebschwitz district, a small stream has overflowed.
22:45: Prolonged rainfall starts to subside in the south - no reprieve yet
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) states that there is a slight let-up in the rainfall in the affected or threatened zones in southern Germany. A DWD meteorologist remarks, "Tonight, we won't have the really intense downpours as we had last night." However, the skies are bringing more showers and thunderstorms from the north, which could potentially create a new flood risk in the afternoon. These storms could be quite severe and move sluggishly. "If they touch down on the already saturated ground, it'll flood again," says the meteorologist. The regions most vulnerable to the impending storms and thunderstorms on Sunday are the Swabian Alb, areas to the north of this, and the area encompassing Augsburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg.
22:25: Disaster situation also in Freising
The Freising district has also declared a disaster situation due to the overflowing of rivers and creeks. The upper Bavarian municipality's local administration made the announcement for the evening. The district administration warns of record-breaking water levels on the Amper and the Glonn. The risk of flooding in the town of Hohenkammer, along with all locations along the Amper, is high. Residents are advised to prepare for an extreme scenario and, for instance, also clear out their cellars.
21:50: Dillingen district also declares disaster situation
Due to the ongoing downpour, the Dillingen district in Bavaria has declared a disaster situation. The Dillingen administration warned of grave issues on the Zusam, a tributary of the Danube, in the evening. The local crisis team requested assistance from the Bundeswehr. The authorities anticipate a 100-year flood along this small river, which may affect the neighboring towns of Buttenwiesen and Wertingen. While the authorities are also preparing to release water from the overflowing Danube into the Riedstrom, the district administration calls on local farmers to secure their farm animals in safe barns.
21:09: The eighth Bavarian district declares a state of disaster
The Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district declares a disaster situation as the eighth municipality in Bavaria. The reason is the expanding Danube and its tributaries. The administration in the Upper Bavarian municipality of Ingolstadt forecasts level 4 at the Neuburg gauge for the night. The situation is dire for the river Paar, one of the Danube's tributaries, and the Weilach, which drains into the Paar. According to the municipality of Schrobenhausen, the Weilach has already overflowed in the town of Mühldorf, flooding a residential area. Authorities are working on evacuating residents there, the district administrator, Peter von der Grün, affirms. The situation is most concerning in the southern part of the district. Grün stressed the importance of preserving roads, bridges, and paths. "This is crucial so the fire department can continue carrying out their tasks."
20:34: Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) rescuing people from roofs using a helicopter
The Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) successfully rescued two people from the roof of their house in Babenhausen using a helicopter. The two individuals were in a dangerous situation, according to a BRK spokesperson. The house in the Unterallgäu district was at risk of collapsing due to the enormous water masses. Other individuals were extracted from their homes using inflatable boats.
20:13: Individuals in various areas around Augsburg are asked to evacuate their homes
Water rescuers had to save people from their vehicles as they couldn't open the doors due to the rising water. The situation turns life-threatening rather quickly because of the current and the growing water level in the car, the spokesman warns.
In several municipalities within the district of Augsburg, people are being urged to flee their homes and apartments. The dangers will escalate in the evening in the northern part of the district, says an Augsburg district administration spokesperson. The affected regions include sections of Batzenhofen, Gablingen, Langweid, Eisenbrechtshofen, Biberbach, Allmannshofen, and the entire municipality of Nordendorf. Swabia's government has set up a temporary shelter at the Augsburg fairgrounds.
19:48: Bundeswehr aids in flooded regions of BavariaGerman soldiers are assisting those affected by flooding in the Bavarian regions of Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg. A representative from the Bavarian Army Command told Antenne Bayern, "The Bundeswehr has responded to the official requests from both districts. Blankets and mattresses are being distributed in Günzburg, while approximately 50 male and female soldiers will be arriving in Aichach-Friedberg soon. Additionally, two trucks from the Bundeswehr are already in use."
19:20: Faeser increases support in flood-stricken areasThe Thuringia State Office for Civil Protection (THW) will be deploying further forces to assist those affected by the heavy rains and potential flooding in southern Germany. The SPD politician, Nancy Faeser, announced, "The THW is on high alert nationwide due to the continuous rainfall and impending floods." Faeser added, "We will provide support to the affected federal states with all available resources." Currently, there are around 520 THW helpers and staff on duty. These individuals have been tasked with rescues, fortifying dikes, and pumping out water. Faeser extended her gratitude to all emergency responders working relentlessly to protect human lives. Those in the flood-hit areas of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg should adhere to the warnings and directions provided by local authorities, she added. "Take these warnings seriously."
18:58: 29 mountaineers rescued at ZugspitzeNineteen individuals in distress at the Zugspitze, as previously mentioned in a Live Ticker update (3:15 p.m.), have been saved by the mountain rescue service. The mountain rescue service announced that 29 individuals, accompanied by their rescuers, arrived at the Gletscherrestaurant Sonnalpin at Zugspitzplatt. Multiple groups had issued distress calls. The rescuers were unable to advance beyond roughly 2,500 meters above sea level, or roughly 900 meters prior to the Sonnalpin, due to poor weather and new snow. Mountain rescue service representatives disclosed that they were on their way. Zugspitzbahn employees, too, were preparing to mobilize their snow groomers for the purpose of searching for the mountaineers.
18:42: Parts of Brandenburg subject to storm warningThe German Meteorological Service (DWD) has issued a storm warning for certain parts of Brandenburg. The districts of Dahme-Spreewald, Märkisch-Oderland, and Oder-Spree are the recipients of the second highest degree of alarm. The DWD cautions that there may be lightning strikes, uprooted trees or powerlines, partitions falling, rapid flooding of roads, landslides, or hail.
18:11: Water closes A3 partially in BavariaBavaria's A3 motorway, between the exits of Parsberg and Beratzhausen in both directions, is closed for approximately ten kilometers due to flooding. A representative for the Upper Palatinate police department states, "The water is pressing on the motorway from the fields." Traffic police in Regensburg had this to say: "The traffic will be diverted."
17:51: Evacuation of certain district of Memmingen prisonThe Memmingen prison in Bavaria will be evacuated due to potential flooding. News agency Nonstopnews confirmed the evacuation, stating that up to 150 inmates would be temporarily transferred to Landsberg, Kempten, and Augsburg. The Prisoner's Water, a stream that has morphed into a torrential downpour threatening the prison, is situated directly in front of the prison. Parts of the courtyard are currently submerged. This predicament may lead to a power outage, driving the prison management to evacuate the prison. Emergency vehicles from the police, fire department, and Autobahnmeisterei blocked the approach, which was already flooded, in support of the evacuation. The fire department was also present, employing pumps to remove water from the prison.
17:35: Continuous rain causes rivers to rise to level 4Prolonged rainfall is resulting in flooding at several gauges throughout Swabia. In Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate, the Danube, Mindel, Zusam, and Schmutter rivers, as reported by the flood warning service (HND), all have reached level 4. The Regen in Cham, Upper Palatinate, has achieved level 4 as well. A gauge in Nattenhausen, Günz, and Dasing, Paar, are indicative of potential centennial floods.
The river Pegel Wiblingen (Iller) is anticipated to achieve its maximum water level in Meldestufe 3 on the weekend of Saturday and Sunday. The water levels have already begun to recede in the lower Iller. In the northern tributaries of Wörnitz, Sulzach, Altmühl, Schwarze Laber, and Naab, there are certain gauges indicating level 1 and 2 exceedances, exhibiting an increasing trend. The water levels are expected to reach Meldestufe 3 in various locations such as Günzburg, Donauwörth, and Neuburg from Neu-Ulm to Kelheim. The Pegel Kelheim will likely follow suite. In the additional sections of the Donau further to Passau, increments to Meldestufen 1 and 2 are predicted.
As of 17:23, aviation operations at Munich Airport have been proceeding without interruption despite heavy rainfall in numerous areas of Bavaria. So far, no flights have been cancelled. Airport spokesman Robert Wilhelm explained to BR that the water is visible in the meadows adjacent to the runways, the airport is slightly elevated, the runways slope to the outside, allowing the water to drain, and the runways are 'grooved' which enhance the water runoff. This assures no impending aquaplaning situation. The airport does not anticipate any significant hiccups over the weekend.
Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder received a firsthand observation of the situation in the regions affected by the storm. During his visit to Diedorf in the Augsburg district, Söder lauded the assistance and authorities. Bavaria is apt at managing crises, acknowledged the Prime Minister. The situation is presenting a "severe burden" to the citizens, he added. Furthermore, he stated, "This is not over yet. Things are really picking up speed." The center of the storm is currently in Swabia, therefore resources like sandbags are being amassed there. "Without the helpers, we wouldn't stand a chance," Söder pleaded to the rescue services such as the fire department, Bavarian Red Cross, police, and Technical Relief Organization. Their dedication was commendable. He attempted to appeal to the citizens, urging them to adhere to the rules. Evacuation orders were to be revered, and no attempts at leaving the basement or driving the car out of the garage.
Rail transport has also been impacted by the storms and floods in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. According to Deutsche Bahn, there have been disruptions and cancellations in the southern region of Germany. Two ICE lines are notably impacted, per a spokeswoman. The line comprised of Munich, Bregenz, and Zurich won't run on Saturday as a result of the flooding. The line between Ulm and Augsburg is also affected. DB has more details on track closures, cancellations, and delays on their website.
The disaster situation extends to the Bavarian district of Unterallgäu. In Babenhausen, where the cell phone network failed, anyone in need of assistance and incapable of making an emergency call should display a white cloth or flag outside their window to obtain aid. Rescue operations are underway in Babenhausen with the use of inflatable boats, extracting residents from their homes.
In connection with the storms in South Germany, approximately 400 forces from the Technical Relief Organization (THW) are presently engaged. The THW in Bonn publishes this information. They are engaged in water-pumping, dike-securing, and preventive evacuations. "Owing to the continuous and occasionally heavy rainfall, the THW is prepared to deploy further THW forces," stated the THW. In the afflicted regions, mobile flood gauges will be set up and monitored by the THW. The THW asserted, "In view of further weather forecasts and potential flooding in the coming hours, the THW is prepared to deploy additional THW forces." THW groups, consisting of approximately 40 participants, each operate three sewage pumps, a generator, an exploratory vehicle, and a command post. Each task force is capable of pumping up to 30,000 liters of water per minute.
This map provides an overview of all the current flood warnings. The graphic is consistently refreshed.
A team of 26 mountain climbers is reported stranded at a significant distance from the summit of the Zugspitze. As per a report from BR, the region has experienced over 60 centimeters of fresh snowfall in a short amount of time, accompanied by heavy rain in the valley. The temperature has dropped to sub-freezing levels, severely reducing visibility to approximately 100 meters. Multiple rescue teams have been deployed in the error-prone blizzard to locate the climbers, according to the BR citing Bergwacht Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The club faces exhaustion and may be inadequately equipped. It is uncertain why they attempted the ascent given the harsh weather forecast.
The Donau-Ries district in Bavaria has declared a state of emergency. This step is aimed at "combining forces" and preparing for the anticipated water levels more quickly and efficiently, explains Administrator Stefan Roßle in a statement. "It is crucial to remain calm and avoid low-lying areas as much as possible at this time," he adds.
A dike and a dam have broken in Augsburg's Swabian region. The district's authorities reported this. Residents in certain parts of Diedorf are instructed to leave their homes. Due to the escalating water levels, an evacuation is being organized in the Anhausen district of Diedorf. "It is no longer possible to relocate to upper levels," states the district administration in Augsburg. A dam collapse occurred in Burgwalden, and a dike on the Anhauser Weiher broke. All residents of the affected zones are advised to abandon their residences autonomously within the next hour and proceed towards Diedorf Schmuttertalhalle. The authorities have also suggested steering clear of railway underpasses, as floodwaters could accumulate there. There is a potential risk to life.
Markus Söder, the Minister President of Bavaria, and Joachim Herrmann, the Interior Minister, are visiting the flood-prone area in Augsburg on Saturday. The purpose of the visit is to gain a first-hand understanding of the flooding situation in Diedorf, as announced by the Interior Ministry. The District Administrator of Augsburg, Martin Sailer, is also on the list of attendees. The location was amended at the last minute due to the circumstances. In Diedorf, the evacuation of residents is being arranged. The situation in the Swabian region is particularly alarming owing to the heavy precipitation. In addition to Augsburg, Günzburg and Aichach-Friedberg have declared emergency situations.
The floodwaters in Meckenbeuren, Bodenseekreis, are rising perilously. Late in the afternoon, the river's level measured 4.72 meters, as an official from the municipality confirmed. It is hoped that the peak will come rapidly. In 2021's flood, the river attained 4.50 meters. Typically, the river carries just 45 centimeters of water. Around 1300 people in Meckenbeuren were urged, with precaution, to leave their homes on Friday evening. Most of them opted for friends or relatives as sanctuary. A tiny number of individuals used the emergency shelter. To avert probable flood damage, schools, kindergartens, and halls were previously cleared. In the municipality with 14,000 residents, bridges were also closed preventively.
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In response to the rising water levels, the city of Wiesbaden is setting up a live ticker to provide real-time updates on the flood situation.Internationally, numerous countries are monitoring the situation, as floods in Germany have reached alarming heights in various locations such as Wiesbaden, Baden-Württemberg, and Bavaria.
